L-R: John Gilpin, Vice President UWPC and Pike County Treasurer; Beverly Simons, HLW Chamber Board Member; Michele Hansen, Owner Misc. Essentials, A Kitchen Shop; Debbie Gillette, Executive Director HLW Chamber;  Lorraine Kloss, HLW Chamber Board Member

HAWLEY - It was all smiles as the United Way of Pike County and Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber came together to thank Michele Hansen, owner of Misc. Essentials, A Kitchen Shop in Hawley for her generous donation to the February Food Drive.

“With a lot of attention being drawn to the disaster in Haiti, I was happy to be able to lend a hand to a local cause. We don’t want to forget those in our own back yard in need of assistance. Keeping our local food pantries supplied is a good way to help area families in need, particularly with the recent 30% increase in electric utilities. It is my hope to hold this type of event at least once a year, and doing it in conjunction with the United Way of Pike County and the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce is a good way to partner to spread the word. I am glad to be a part of this”, said Michele Hansen, Owner of Misc. Essentials, A Kitchen Shop.

“The economic challenge has created financial hardship for many people. I am proud to be part of a community that joins together to help our friends and neighbors in need.  Please come out and donate to the February Food Drive. Any donation large or small is greatly appreciated ”, said John Gilpin, Vice President of the United Way of Pike County and Pike County Treasurer.

All of the contributions will be donated to local area food pantries. In addition to canned foods, non-perishable food items and paper products, personal items such as: toothpaste, bath soap, shampoo and toiletries are also being encouraged.  Donations can be dropped at any of the following locations:  The Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce, Route 6, Hawley (located in the Lakeside Level of the Visitor Center on Route 6 in Hawley) or Misc. Essentials A Kitchen Shop, Route 6, Hawley (located in the IGA Shopping Center), The United Way located at 105 W. George Street.  To have large donations picked up, contact the United Way at (570) 296-9980.

“On behalf of The United Way of Pike County, I would like to thank Michele Hansen for her generous donation to the food drive and for all of her time and effort with this initiative”, said Catherine Capasso, Executive Director of the United Way of Pike County.

For more information about The Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber you can contact Debbie Gillette, Executive Director at (570) 226-3191 or visit their web site: www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com

For more information regarding the United Way of Pike County you can visit www.unitedwaypike.org.